Early complications. Cardiac complications.

Cardiopulmonary complications developing after pneumonectomy are described. Arrhythmias are seen in about 25% of patients undergoing pneumonectomy, and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias are common. To date, the efficacy of medical prophylaxis has not yet been defined. Postpneumonectomy heart failure shares a common cause with postpneumonectomy edema. Cardiac herniation with subsequent torsion is a rare but fatal complication after pneumonectomy. Early recognition and prophylaxis are always crucial.